Hand Study

Hand Study

6x6

Watercolor on Paper

Click Here to Buy

It's been awhile since I've done a Daily Paintworks Challenge but I decided to give this one a shot.  This week's challenge was to do a hand study on a 6x6 canvas/piece of paper.  Here's mine!  I hope it didn't screw it up too bad. :)

Golden Fishies Upstream

Golden Fishies Upstream

11x14

Watercolor on Paper, Pen and Ink

Click Here to Buy

I've been having a lot of fun with these salt paintings.  For this piece, I did the background first without a plan and once I saw the pattern that formed, I added the fish where I thought they would fit.  For a purely spontaneous piece, I like the way it turned out.  :)

Mail Art: Aloha! - Chance to Win!

Mail Art: Aloha!

4 3/4 x 11

Watercolor on Paper

I started an online art class this week that explores basic art concepts and techniques.  It has been a great refresher for me.  The class theme for this week was Mail Art. We learned about works from popular artists from the movement, such as Eleanor Austin, Ryosuke Cohen, and Ruud Janssen.  Our assignment theme was "Memories" and when I think of memories, some of my fondest involve my travels to Hawaii, hence the Hawaiian theme for the pieces I created.  The envelope front shows waves and seashells and the back (pictured below) shows a Hawaiian coastline.  The insert is a surfboard with flowers.

I'm dying to share this piece with one of my biggest supporters so I decided to turn this into a blog/Facebook contest.  All you have to do to win it, is comment on my blog post or share my post on Facebook.  I'll conduct a random drawing on Tuesday, June 18th.  I hope you'll share and comment!  

Thanks for your support - I can't tell you how much your comments, likes, and shares mean to me!

Aloha!

Heather

How To: "Rock On"

Rock On

5x5

Mixed Media

I work for an amazing entertainment media university here in Florida and I'm partnering up with a few other faculty members to put on an art show with all 5"x5" paintings. Here's my first painting/collage for the show. It's a mix of acrylic, canvas, watercolor, and pen...called "Rock On."

I thought I'd switch it up a little an offer a little "how to" blog post, showing my process along the way.  Here's the process on how this piece was created:

I started off with a blank 5x5 canvas and used the funky watercolor paper that I created last week.  The image below shows you the colorful sheet that I created by painting wet into wet.  I started off with a full sheet of water saturated paper and dabbed paint onto the sheet until it was completely covered.  I used sea salt (coarse Kosher to be specific) to create the splattered patterns.  The trick is to leave the paper alone as it dries so it has time to take shape on it's own.  Once the paper was dry, I knew it was the perfect piece to create my crowd of people.  :)

Then I started cutting out the crowd.  I did a rough sketch of people in pencil and used and x-acto knife to cut out each person.  I tried to strategically select colors as if the lights from the stage were shining on them; darker colors (black, purple and blues) for the people that were out of the light and lighter colors (oranges and yellows) for the part of the crowd standing in the light.

I continued to cut them out until I had enough people to cover the entire width of the canvas.

I developed the background (pictured below) by painting the entire canvas with black acrylic paint.  Once it dried, I sponged on the white, red and blue acrylic paint to create a foggy/smoky effect.  The last step was to add the gray and white stripes to represent the lights.

I used Mod Podge to attach the people in the crowd.  I added the glue to the back of each person with a brush and followed up with a top layer of Mod Podge to seal them completely.  (Mod Podge goes on milky white but dries transparently.)

I added the pattern to the sides with a silver pen and then used another layer of Mod Podge to seal the entire piece.  

Ta Dah!  One finished collage piece using acrylic paint, watercolor, paper, canvas, pen, and Mod Podge.  

Grace

Grace

6x6

Watercolor on Paper

Commission

This is Grace.  Don't you just want to hug her?  I did, the entire time I was painting this.  I painted from a photo and her fur looked so soft; her eyes, so sweet.  I've found that animals are my favorite thing to paint and I fall in love with each one as I paint them.  I hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

I Found Nemo

I Found Nemo

8x10

Watercolor on Paper

Click Here to Buy (Original)
Click Here for Prints

My four year old son has been asking me to paint Nemo, one of the Disney characters, for months.  Tonight I started to experiment with Kosher salt and watercolor and after doing the piece below, I couldn't help but think of how much it looks like an underwater landscape to me.  So I finally found my inspiration to start painting Nemo, this little clown fish.  While it doesn't look just like Nemo, this painting was certainly inspired by him.

The texture that salt brings to a painting just cant be duplicated without the salt - it absorbs the paint to create these funky patterns.  I love the way it bleeds.  And if watercolor wasn't predictable enough, the salt just adds even more unpredictability.  How fun!  I'll be doing more pieces like this in the future - stay tuned for more underwater sea life with a true salt water background.

Lighthouse Point Marina

Lighthouse Point Marina

11x14

Watercolor on Paper

This brightly colored tropical piece was painted from a photo taken at one of my favorite spots, the Lighthouse Point Marina.  It's for one of my best friends, Kim.  Kim and I were friends in college - we were in the same sorority (Pi Beta Phi), lived together for three years, and practically grew up together. We've stayed really close over the years and despite all of life's crazy events (the birth of our kids, old/new relationships, friendships, etc.) we've always been there for each other.  She lives in south Florida and every time I go to visit her, the Lighthouse Point Maria is a destination of choice.

(Kim patiently waiting for me to take countless reference photos.)

I really boosted the color on this one, at Kim's request.  This is probably one of the most detailed paintings I've ever done.  Here's an in-progress photo taken earlier this week.  I hope you all are enjoying your weekend.  It was nice to stay inside this weekend to work on this.  It is getting HOT here in Florida!

Palm Breeze

Palm Breeze

5x7

Watercolor on Paper

Giveaway

This painting was created for my new friend and Facebook fan, Megan.  She won a random drawing that I did for my fans when my Facebook page hit 500 likes.  She sent over a photo to work from and this is the finished piece.  Congratulations, Megan!!!

I love doing giveaways - so fun!  I'll be doing more in the future so if you haven't already liked my page, please do!  https://www.facebook.com/heathertorresart

Birds of a Feather

Birds of a Feather

11x14

Watercolor on Paper

Click Here to Buy

Coconut Palm

Coconut Palm

11x14

Watercolor on Paper

Click Here to Buy

So I've been wanting to paint this palm since the moment I saw it while visiting Cocoa Beach.  It took me months to get around to it because it seemed so intimidating.  There was so much detail in the photo, I just didn't know if I could take it on.  But after a week of sticking with it, here it is.  What do you guys think?  Here's an in-progress shot of the painting at the beginning stages.

Simple and Mindless...and Other Stuff

Simple and Mindless

11x14

Watercolor on Paper

Click here to buy

I had a wonderful weekend with some artist friends, Kathryn Stuart of K-Stu Art and Elizabeth Farmer of Happygolucky Creations.  The three of us joined forces and had our first booth experience at the College Park Tour of Homes.  We a big thank you to our dads for helping us set up.  My dad even created those amazing black panels that allowed us to hang our art.  Go Dad!

Here's a photo from the event.  Kathryn displayed her abstract canvases and Elizabeth contributed a nifty set of greeting cards - really impressive stuff.  

You can check out their work at the following links...and go like their Facebook pages too!

K-Stu Art: https://www.facebook.com/k.stu.art.art?fref=ts

Happygolucky Creations: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Happygolucky-Creations/245236225610349?fref=ts

I started this "Simple and Mindless" abstract painting on Saturday, while working the event.  The rest came together at home.  I like the bright colors a lot.  Here's an in-progress shot.

Patchwork

Patchwork

11x14

Watercolor on Paper

Click Here to Buy

Here are some in-progress shots from this brightly colored patchwork pattern painting.  I tried something new with this piece, adding gray stamps to some spots to add texture and more pattern.  

Porkchop, Roxy, and Lilo

Porkchop, Roky, and Lilo

8x10

Watercolor on Paper

Commission

These three puppies are loved so much by their owner, which made them fun to paint.  Their owner, Annie asked me to do this piece as an anniversary gift for her husband.  There were some challenges, as I was given several photos taken at different angles, so I had so recreate their likeness as closely as possible with the ultimate goal of fitting head shots of all of them in this limited space.  I really love the bright background on this piece and I think Annie chose the perfect frame and matting for the image - a true team effort!  

A Self Portrait

Self Portrait

5x7

Watercolor on Paper

Not for Sale

Let's face it, portraits are intimidating.  I haven't painted very many because they are incredibly difficult.  I can never seem to get them to look the way I want them to but I've been practicing and this is my first self portrait...I think ever.   :)

After a fun weekend at my nephew's birthday party in south Florida and a trip to the beach, I came home to work on this painting, which I started on Thursday of last week.  I kept working it to the point it's at now and I think this is where I'll leave it.  Have a nice week everyone!

Eric's Portrait

Eric's Portrait

5x7

Watercolor on Paper

Commission

Buddy

Buddy

5x7

Watercolor on Paper

Commission

I can't tell you how much I loved painting this sweet golden doodle named Buddy.  A friend from work wanted to have some custom notecards made with Buddy's portrait on them and was kind enough to ask me to paint them.  I meet Buddy this week and she is awesome.  She was so happy and playful - you can tell she is a good natured soul.  I'm quite pleased with the way this painting turned out.  I think it captures her spirit.  Here's an in-progess shot of Buddy. :)

Artist Spotlight: Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson

Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson is an Orlando based artist, like me.  I was so excited to learn that she lives in the same area.  I love her work!  She really inspires me!  Elizabeth is a collage artist, developing brightly colored paintings, with incredible style and texture.  All of the small pieces of patterned paper come together to develop an amazing composition.  Check out some of her work (all images taken from her website) and her online links below.

Website: www.PaperPaintings.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaperPaintingsCollageArtwork
Blog: http://elizabethsthilairenelson.blogspot.com/

Elizabeth was kind enough to allow me to feature her on my blog for this month's artist spotlight.  Here are her answers to my questions:


How long have you been painting and how did you get your start?


I have a BFA from SU but have been painting all my life.  My high school art teacher was very inspiring.

I love your unique style. How did you discover it?

The style has been an evolution over years of trial and error.




What or who inspires you most?

My favorite artist of all time is Gustav Klimt. I appreciate his combination of graphic design and patterning with realistic shading and rendering.

What subject do you enjoy painting most and why?

I enjoy whimsical subject matter that makes people smile. Often times this is colorful animals or botanicals.

Who are some of your favorite artists?

Favorites include Lisa Daria, Kimberly Kelly Santini, Peter Clark, Ellen Lindner, and Margaret Dyer.

What advice do you have for new artists?

Advice for new artists is to understand that art is a business, you need to spend at least 50% of your efforts on self promotion.

What five words would you use to describe yourself?
     

Colorful, fun, generous, empathetic, energetic.

Thank you, Elizabeth, for taking the time to answer my questions.  I hope to take a collage class from you soon.  Best wishes!      

Succulent Dream

Succulent Dream

5x7

Watercolor on Paper

Click Here to Buy

I have this thing for succulent plants.  I love them, even more than pretty, flowery plants, believe it or not.  I think it's because they are so smooth and unique.  My mother has several of them on her back porch and they are so cool.  I took a photo of one of them while visiting her in Clewiston a few weeks ago.  I've been dying to put my own spin on the plant's likeness for some time now.  Here's my "Succulent Dream."

For the Birds

For the Birds

11x14

Watercolor on Paper

Click Here to Buy

Here's another exploration piece and I'm really happy with the way it came together.  I used a reference photo from the trip to the beach that we made as a family a couple weeks ago.  There's nothing like a spring day at the beach in Florida!  These birds were there and despite the cool breeze, I knew with the waves crashing and the birds flying, spring is here!

I haven't had the chance to paint or update my blog in awhile because we've been busy entertaining house guests (my husband's best childhood friend and his family)...and as much as I loved spending time with them, it feels good to paint again.

Puzzle Pieces

Puzzle Pieces

5x7

Watercolor on Paper

I've been trying to put a little extra effort into marketing my art within the last couple weeks.  I was just a few Facebook likes away from 400 last week so I decided to offer a little contest for my "likers."  I created a post that offered a free custom 5x7 painting for a lucky liker if they could help me reach 400 likes. 

My friends really pulled through and several people shared the offer on their own pages.  Within a couple days I added 47 new likes to the page (wow!)

I did the random drawing and it ended up being a childhood friend.  I reached out to her and she asked me to paint the blue autism awareness puzzle pieces for her son.  So I did...and here's her piece.  I can't wait to send it off to her.

And...if you haven't already liked my Facebook page, please do: www.facebook.com/heathertorresart  I hope we can connect there too!

Building Sun Castles

Building Sun Castles

11x14

Watercolor on Paper

There's nothing like a day at the beach with family!  You'll find that most of my paintings are tropical in nature.  I painted this from a reference photo of my son but wanted to change it up a little and added lines to the background and foreground to give it more of an abstract feel.  I learned through trial and error (I completely messed up the first one I did) that this style doesn't work when adding the geometric angles to people.  My first try made the people look way to mechanical and weird.  I'm pleased with the way this painting turned out but I'm sure I'll find something I want to change on it tomorrow (as usual).

Here's the little guy with his Papa (my dad).  My boys have a bond with their grandpa like no other.  Could it be that he spoils them too much!?   I'm so thankful for their relationship.

Zebra Prints

Zebra Prints

20x26

Watercolor on Paper
Click Here to Buy

This is my largest painting to date.  I feel like I should earn a metal of honor for perseverance.  Ha!  This zebra painting was a lot of fun to paint but it definitely took some time to paint.  I had fun painting all the crazy bright patterns in the background and once I started painting the zebra's stripes, I really felt like it was coming together.  I hope y'all like it.

Sunflower

Sunflower

8x10

Watercolor on Paper

Click Here to Buy

I love sunflowers!  I always have.  They were the flowers in my wedding and I grew up with a sunflower room.  I guess they represent my outlook on life.  They are sunny, cheerful, and bright.

Artist Spotlight: Carolee Clark

This month's artist spotlight is focused on Oregon painter, Carolee Clark.  I was drawn to Carolee's work on Daily Paintworks.  She has a very distinct contemporary style with bright colors and bold patterns.  I really love all of her paintings.  She is a true inspiration.  If you'd like to check out some of her work, you can go to any of the following links:

Website

Blog

Daily Paintwork's Gallery

1. How long have you been painting and how did you get your start?

I have been painting since my 20’s when my mother gave me a set of watercolors.

2.  I love your unique style (the bright colors, simple yet complicated shapes, interesting texture, etc).  How did you discover it?

I don’t think that one develops a style consciously.  It happens naturally as we work.  This also means that style will change over time. There will be threads that will continue throughout, but our experience changes and this will slowly creep into our work. 

3. What or who inspires you most?

It doesn’t take much to inspire me.  I will walk down to the studio and if I don’t have a painting on the go, I will pick up a pencil and start drawing.  I will soon have half a dozen possibilities for paintings.  

4. What advice do you have for new artists?

Just keep painting, immersing yourself in the action of doing each one.  You will continue to see improvement.  Don’t measure your success on sales.  It should be based on whether you are enjoying yourself.

5.  What five words would you use to describe yourself?

Positive, hardworking, introverted, determined, cheerful.

Thank you, Carolee for inspiring me and sharing your time!  It was nice to get to know you a little better and I look forward to seeing what you paint next!

Winter Magnolias

Winter Magnolias

5x7

Watercolor on Paper

Click Here to Buy

I love this time of year because my japanese magnolia tree is blooming!  I love the flowers - they are so delicate and the pinkish purple color of the flowers is just beautiful.